Rachel Abbott, Managing Director,
Cobra Sport Exhausts
What is your current role?
Managing director – Cobra Sport Exhausts.
What does that involve or look like on a day-to-day basis
I handle the day to day organisation of the manufacturing operations at our Sheffield site. This includes health and safety, production planning, HR issues, purchasing planning, and more. Then with my MD hat on I take control of the strategic planning and financial planning and budgeting for the company at group level.
How did you get started working in STEM?
The family business was in the motor trade and I joined in 2004. Since then my brother and I developed the business further into what it is today.
What qualifications did you take or gain along the way?
Lots of CPD, IOSH and Leading Organisational Change LGCI.
Why do you love working in STEM?
I love the variety of my role – no day is the same and there are always new things to learn and challenges to overcome.
What challenges have you faced in your career? And how have you overcome them?
Being a female in a male dominated industry has been challenging at times. I always ignore any negativity and carry on regardless!
What advice would you offer for someone joining the STEM sectors?
That it is hard work at times, but ultimately one of the most rewarding industries to work in, with vast opportunities to build a successful career.
What do we need to do as an industry to attract and keep more women in STEM?
Highlight the opportunities available and make the jobs more relatable by offering more in-depth information on what is involved.
For the full article please visit our blog at: equalityinstem.org.uk/blog